Those who fall for the scam find themselves driving a vehicle without valid insurance which police can confiscate, and run the risk of prosecution and heavy fines.

Detective Chief Inspector Wood said: "This day of action reveals ghost broking to be a UK-wide problem which is being met by a national law enforcement response, led by IFED (insurance fraud enforcement department).

"The consequences for innocent motorists who fall victims to ghost brokers can be dire, so it is absolutely vital that drivers shopping for car insurance online, or through other means, question what they are being offered to ensure they get a real deal."